TO AMEND SECTION 50-15-500, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AN ALLIGATOR MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MUST PRIORITIZE THE DISTRIBUTION OF ALLIGATOR PERMITS AND TAGS TO STATE RESIDENTS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Section 50-15-500(B)(2) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

    "(2)    The department may establish an alligator hunting season. The department may issue alligator permits and tags to allow hunting and taking of alligators in any game zone where alligators occur. If the department issues alligator permits and tags, residents shall receive priority for at least seventy percent of available permits and tags offered during an alligator hunting season. A person desiring to hunt and take alligators must apply to the department."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.